1. An Introductory Guide for Middle School Students
Argument Writing
An Introductory Guide for Middle School Students

2. IS DIFFERENT THAN ARGUING WITH A PARENT OR FRIEND
An argument in writing
IS DIFFERENT THAN ARGUING WITH A PARENT OR FRIEND

3. Includes a Claim Believing something is true
Stating that truth using evidence

4. Includes a Counterargument
An argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument.

5. Characteristics of Argument Writing
Convinces reader claim is true
Uses evidence—facts and data
Acknowledges counterclaims—the other side of the argument

6. An Effective Claim Takes a clear position
Has at least two supporting pieces of data
Is specific and clear enough to be supported within essay
Can be supported by facts or citations from a reliable resource

7. Types of claims
Cause and effect—a person, thing, or event caused something else to happen
Example: Pollution in The Great Lakes occurred because humans in the area do not recycle

8. Types of claims
Claims of definition or fact—argue what a definition is or if something is really a fact
Example: In the story, “The School Play,” Robert is nervous about messing up his lines on stage.

9. Types of values
Claims about values—argue the worth of something and if it is valued.
While Perrault’s “Cinderella” is an interesting story, it is a second-rate story when compared to Grimm’s Cinderella version.

10. Types of claims
Claims about solutions or policies—argue for or against certain approaches to problems.
Example: The Capulets have their daughter’s well-being in mind when they follow tradition and make arrangements for her to marry Paris.